How to remain consistent in colors during repeat runs of a Packaging Print ?

[manishbjain]

Hello, We are a startup into Labels and Packaging Manufacturing. We Print in offset presses (outsource) and we make changes in colors at the press like increasing Cyan or reducing it or adding more magenta and like to bring the desired color. So How do we make sure we get the same colour in subsequent runs of the same packaging. The design file remains the same and so the plate I guess would come out the same. But We do not have the record of the changes made at the press. How to cope up with those changes especially when no one from our company is at the press.

 

[mwc]

Hello, We are a startup into Labels and Packaging Manufacturing. We Print in offset presses (outsource) and we make changes in colors at the press like increasing Cyan or reducing it or adding more magenta and like to bring the desired color. So How do we make sure we get the same colour in subsequent runs of the same packaging. The design file remains the same and so the plate I guess would come out the same. But We do not have the record of the changes made at the press. How to cope up with those changes especially when no one from our company is at the press.

Ideally...Your Printer should provide a proof that shows what the press will produce, without much 'mucking' around, they should be able to reproduce to the colors of the proof...especially CMYK colors. If your Print provider does not run to standards, and does not retain settings for reruns...then you are setting yourself up for problems. If the printer can't or won't accommodate your desire for consistent, repeatable results, then maybe you need another partner?

 

[gordo]

You ask the printer to record the press settings once you've OK'd the color and the run starts.

 

[aqazi81]

Hello, We are a startup into Labels and Packaging Manufacturing. We Print in offset presses (outsource) and we make changes in colors at the press like increasing Cyan or reducing it or adding more magenta and like to bring the desired color. So How do we make sure we get the same colour in subsequent runs of the same packaging. The design file remains the same and so the plate I guess would come out the same. But We do not have the record of the changes made at the press. How to cope up with those changes especially when no one from our company is at the press.

There are too many variables in offset printing and expecting subsequent runs to match the previous run exactly is not going to work. You can get close results but not same.
As others mentioned, ask your printer to provide a press proof before production run. Make sure they are running standard densities and keep a record of the job.

 

[AngusPady]

Save a sample from the first run and use that on the second run. Call it a "Brand Standard". This becomes the target for all subsequent runs. If you want to get scientific, create a label and write the densities and dot gains on the back, have the press operator sign and date. Press trending is also imperative so you know when to adjust the CTP curves to keep your press in line with your tolerances.


Angus Pady